Electric Cars

Cars

Car Show

Car Maintenance

Racing

English

Cars

Porsche Elevates Driving Instruction with 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing Integration

Slide 6
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 1

Porsche has recently announced a significant upgrade to its esteemed Track Experience driver education program. Enthusiasts and aspiring racers can now get behind the wheel of the formidable 911 GT3 RS equipped with the specialized Manthey Racing handling kit. This elite vehicle is being integrated into the most advanced tiers of Porsche's driving curriculum, providing an unparalleled opportunity for students to master high-performance driving.

Porsche's High-Octane Driver Training Now Features the Ultimate 911

In a thrilling development for automotive aficionados, Porsche revealed on a recent Tuesday its decision to incorporate the potent 911 GT3 RS, enhanced with the Manthey Racing performance package, into its highly regarded Track Experience curriculum. This exclusive offering is available to participants enrolled in the program's three most advanced courses: the intensive three-day Masters RS, the comprehensive four-day Masters RSR, and the invite-only Masters TR. These rigorous programs are meticulously designed to guide students towards acquiring an SCCA Full Competition license, marking a substantial step towards professional racing. The training sessions are held at the picturesque Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, a premier venue known for its challenging track layout.

The 911 GT3 RS is already recognized as Porsche's most extreme production vehicle, boasting an aggressive aerodynamic setup that generates downforce comparable to a Le Mans-spec 911 race car. Manthey Racing, a distinguished subsidiary of Porsche based in Nürburgring, specializes in developing high-performance handling enhancements for Porsche's GT lineup. For the GT3 RS, the Manthey kit introduces a larger front splitter, sophisticated dive planes, an expanded rear diffuser, and a more prominent rear wing. Notably, it also features a carbon-fiber panel with a distinctive shark fin, replacing the conventional rear window. These modifications are engineered to boost downforce by approximately 20 percent over the standard GT3 RS, achieving an astonishing 2,200 pounds at 177 miles per hour. Furthermore, the car benefits from stiffer springs, adaptive semi-active coilovers, and high-performance stainless-steel brake lines, all contributing to its exceptional track capabilities. This strategic move not only serves as an excellent platform for Porsche to showcase the extraordinary prowess of its most hardcore 911 to prospective buyers but also provides an invaluable educational tool. Driving a GT3 RS Manthey, with its race-derived engine shared with the 911 GT3 Cup car, offers an experience remarkably akin to piloting a dedicated race car, making it an ideal choice for serious racing instruction. While the Masters RS program commands a tuition fee of $9,700, this cost aligns with the market rate for such elite racing schools. The 911 GT3 RS Manthey Racing vehicles are currently deployed at Barber Motorsports Park and are expected to remain available for student use until the spring of 2026.

The integration of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the Manthey Racing kit into Porsche's premier driving school curriculum marks a new frontier in performance driver training. It underscores the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and driver skill development. For those with the ambition and means, this program offers more than just lessons; it provides a transformative journey into the heart of high-performance driving, blurring the lines between a road car and a race machine. This initiative truly elevates the art of driving instruction, demonstrating that the pursuit of driving excellence is an ongoing, evolving adventure.

Street-Legal Ford GT Aims for 330 MPH World Record at NASA Runway
Cars

Street-Legal Ford GT Aims for 330 MPH World Record at NASA Runway

Automotive Naming Blunders: A Humorous Review of Unfortunate Car Monikers
Cars

Automotive Naming Blunders: A Humorous Review of Unfortunate Car Monikers

Walmart Offers Significant Discount on a Resilient and Spacious Outdoor Storage Solution
Cars

Walmart Offers Significant Discount on a Resilient and Spacious Outdoor Storage Solution

Cars

Lamborghini Dealer Accused of Secretly Selling Cars to Unauthorized Buyers

Slide 4
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 1

A high-stakes legal dispute has emerged in the exclusive world of luxury automobiles, as Italian supercar manufacturer Lamborghini has initiated legal proceedings against one of its North American dealers. The automaker alleges that Gold Coast Exotic Imports, based in Chicago, engaged in illicit sales practices, secretly diverting premium vehicles to unauthorized third-party brokers rather than legitimate customers. This alleged scheme reportedly allowed the dealership to unjustly accumulate over $4 million in performance bonuses from Lamborghini, while circumventing established sales protocols. The dealership, however, vehemently disputes these claims, framing the lawsuit as a strategic maneuver by Lamborghini to remove its long-serving president and avoid outstanding financial obligations related to dealership enhancements and marketing support.

The core of Lamborghini's legal action centers on accusations that Gold Coast Exotic Imports bypassed the brand's stringent distribution rules. In the North American market, Lamborghini operates through independent dealerships, which are tasked with direct sales to end-users. The lawsuit contends that in 2023 alone, Gold Coast sold at least 32 vehicles, including a $600,000+ Lamborghini Revuelto, to individuals who were merely fronts for undisclosed brokers. These alleged phantom buyers included a Minnesota chiropractor and a former professional athlete, while the ultimate recipients were reportedly third-party dealers, some with dubious financial histories, including one who had previously faced charges for money laundering involving luxury vehicles. Lamborghini asserts that these transactions were deliberately camouflaged to appear as standard retail sales, thereby deceiving the manufacturer about the true ownership of the vehicles.

Further compounding the allegations, Lamborghini claims that Gold Coast demanded illicit upfront payments, sometimes as much as $150,000, from prospective buyers eager to expedite their acquisition of highly coveted, limited-edition models, such as the Sterrato. Meanwhile, unaware of these purported under-the-table dealings, Lamborghini continued to reward the Chicago dealership with substantial performance-based incentives, totaling over $4 million. In its defense, Gold Coast Exotic Imports has lodged counterclaims, arguing that Lamborghini owes it more than $400,000 for unfulfilled reimbursements related to showroom upgrades and marketing initiatives. The dealership's management also suggested that the lawsuit is a thinly veiled attempt by Lamborghini to force out its 81-year-old president, Joseph Perillo Sr., whom the automaker allegedly considered "too old" and "too difficult to deal with."

This ongoing legal battle resonates deeply within the high-end automotive sector, where genuine enthusiasts often contend with exorbitant prices and extended waiting periods for rare models. The alleged practice of dealerships engaging in backdoor sales with resellers not only creates a perception of unfairness but also potentially damages the brand's integrity and exclusivity. Lamborghini's decisive move to sue one of its own authorized dealers marks a significant moment, potentially influencing future strategies for how luxury automakers manage the distribution and sales of their highly sought-after vehicles. While settlement negotiations are currently underway, should they fail, the case is slated for trial in December 2026. Regardless of the outcome, this public dispute offers an unprecedented glimpse into the often-opaque practices surrounding the sale of the world's most exclusive automobiles.

See More
Walmart Offers PowerSmart Rolling Mechanic's Stool at Significant Discount
Cars

Walmart Offers PowerSmart Rolling Mechanic's Stool at Significant Discount

Chevrolet Equinox EV: Leading the Charge in US Non-Tesla EV Sales
Cars

Chevrolet Equinox EV: Leading the Charge in US Non-Tesla EV Sales

Chevrolet's Grand Slam: Blending Motorsports and Baseball at Bristol
Cars

Chevrolet's Grand Slam: Blending Motorsports and Baseball at Bristol

Cars

Mercedes-Benz Accelerates Product Portfolio with 18 New Models by 2027 to Challenge BMW's Market Dominance

Slide 3
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 1
Mercedes-Benz is poised to redefine its market standing with an unprecedented surge of new vehicle introductions, aiming to revitalize its competitive edge against key rivals like BMW. This strategic move, spanning from the present year through 2027, marks a pivotal moment in the luxury automaker's history, signaling a comprehensive refresh and expansion of its lineup across various segments.

Mercedes-Benz's Bold Strategy: 18 New Vehicles by 2027 to Dominate the Luxury Automotive Landscape

Mercedes-Benz's Ambitious Sales Drive to Surpass Competitors

In the fiercely competitive luxury automotive sector, Mercedes-Benz is gearing up for a significant offensive to enhance its market position. Recognizing BMW's strong recent sales performance, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius has unveiled an ambitious plan to launch an extensive array of new models. This strategic initiative, reportedly the most concentrated product launch cycle in the company's history, is designed to invigorate sales and secure a more prominent share of the global market.

Eighteen New Models: A Closer Look at Mercedes-Benz's Diverse Offerings

The forthcoming wave of 18 new vehicles from Mercedes-Benz represents a sophisticated approach to product development, distinguishing between new nameplates and variations of existing ones. This strategy includes treating combustion-powered and electric versions of the same model, such as the CLA EV and hybrid CLA, as distinct launches. Furthermore, the introduction of models like the CLA Shooting Brake, both in its conventional and electric forms, underscores a commitment to broadening the brand's appeal and catering to evolving consumer demands. The plan also incorporates additional 'entry-level' combustion cars and new electric models slated for release in the coming years.

Expanding the Core Lineup: Innovation Across Segments

Beyond the 'entry-level' segment, Mercedes-Benz's 'core' models are set to receive substantial updates. The manufacturer plans to unveil a duo of combustion vehicles alongside two electric counterparts next year, including the much-anticipated all-electric GLC. With the C-Class also due for a refresh, these introductions highlight Mercedes-Benz's commitment to maintaining a robust and modern core offering. This balanced approach ensures that both traditional luxury buyers and those seeking advanced electric mobility find compelling options within the Mercedes-Benz portfolio.

Reimagining the Pinnacle: Luxury Models Embrace Electric Future While Honoring Heritage

Mercedes-Benz's vision extends to its most prestigious 'top-tier' models, where the company acknowledges a continued preference for internal combustion engines among many high-end clientele. Despite this, the brand is firm in its long-term commitment to electrification, planning to offer an electric powertrain option for all relevant Mercedes-Benz models by the close of the decade. This strategy echoes the industry trend seen with BMW, where electric variants like the i4, i5, and i7 closely mirror their combustion-powered siblings in design. Mercedes-Benz will concurrently advance its internal combustion engine development, ensuring a continued supply of high-performance vehicles, including new AMG models and concepts like the GTXX.

A Dual-Path Evolution: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in the Automotive Landscape

In essence, Mercedes-Benz's forward-looking strategy is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to meeting diverse market needs. By simultaneously developing and launching new internal combustion engine vehicles and a growing suite of electric models, the automaker aims to navigate the transition towards an electrified future without alienating its established customer base. This comprehensive plan includes six new combustion cars and six new EVs in the 'top end' category, two new ICE models and one EV in the 'core' range, and a new combustion car in the 'entry level' segment, demonstrating a versatile and robust product pipeline designed to secure its competitive advantage for years to come.

See More